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White flowers give way to green puffs, which hold three new heart-emblazoned seeds that are a cinch to save.

Here at the Seed Library we (heart) these seeds, and plants that climb, and seed pods you can dry. This old fashioned ornamental vine gives us the triple love right back. Known as Balloon Vine, Love In A Puff, and Heart Seed, the paper lantern-like seed pods of Cardiospermum halicacabum (Cardio = heart, sperma = seed) carry three matte black seeds, each imprinted with its own white heart. Who says plants can't show affection to their caregivers?

Direct sow after frost, or start indoors a few weeks earlier. Vines can grow to 8-10 feet--trellising required. Balloon Vine enjoys sun and rich, moist soil. May self-sow in the Northeast; not recommended for warmer areas.

Artwork by Cal Patch. Cal is a crafty farmer who sews, crochets, embroiders, spins yarn, knits, dyes and more on her little less-than-two acre farm in Accord, NY. She makes her own clothes and thinks you should too!